ALL BOTTLED UP: Summer Noodle & Rice
The spot: The owners of Edgewater’s Summer Noodle & Rice (click for details) knew winter-weary Chicagoans would appreciate a breath of fresh air year-round, which is how the place got its name. Located next to the Granville “L” stop on the CTA Red Line, this modern, five-month-old pan-Asian eatery is decorated in sunny orange and white hues. Merry Buddha statues greet you at the register, while hip beats give the place a clubby feel. The menu features unique specials such as spicy mango shrimp ($12), stir-fried in mango sauce with red and green bell peppers and white onions, served with rice; and Red Duck ($14), a spicy rice dish of seared duck breast, tomato, pineapple and bok choy in a red curry sauce. The classic pad Thai ($6.95) here is perfectly moist and fresh, while the Spicy Basil ($6.95), stir-fried with fresh basil, green beans, bell peppers and onion in a chili garlic sauce, has just the right kick (meat optional for both entrees).
The bottle: The Sovereign is a bar around the corner that’s been open for 51 years. Locals love it for its laid-back atmosphere, as well as for its license to sell six-packs to-go. While domestic six-packs ($6) (cold, when available --CQ) such as Old Style and Budweiser are available, South-of-the-border beers like Negro Modelo or Corona ($8.50 each) are better choices to put you in a sunny state of mind. If you’re hankering for a crisp white wine to temper the heat of Summer’s cuisine, there’s Dominick’s (6009 N. Broadway 773-769-2300) just a bit south. We like the reliable Robert Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc (currently $8.98 with a Dominick’s Fresh Values card; regularly $12.99). Summer Noodle & Rice does not charge a corkage fee. --Emily Hiser Lobdell, Metromix special contributor.

